uncertain future of climate change requires our collective attention

By: Shaun Inake

2024 was undoubtedly a record-breaking year in terms of climate change and its impacts, and 2025 shows no signs of slowing the strengthening of unprecedented weather patterns. 

According to the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), yearly global ocean temperatures in 2024 were exceedingly warmer than average; in fact, it was the highest global temperature dating back to 1850 when NOAA began collecting data Earth’s average land and ocean surface temperatures were 2.32 (F) degrees higher than the 20th century average. The higher water temperatures leads to higher rates of evaporation, leading to higher concentrations of vapor in the atmosphere, 5 percent more than the 1991-2020 average. ​

This excess vapor, as well as a very strong El Nino from 2023 would contribute to several major precipitation events in 2024, including extreme flooding in New England in August, one of the worst floods in Spanish history in October, and major floods in Central Europe in September affecting at least 10 different countries. 

In the United States, hurricanes in particular devastated impacted communities. On September 24, Hurricane Helene formed in the Caribbean Sea and made landfall in Florida, before swiftly moving up Appalachia. The resulting wreckage remains unprecedented in both the Appalachian region and the affected areas in Georgia and Florida. A month later in October, Hurricane Milton  made landfall near Tampa and traveled along Central Florida before dissipating in the Atlantic. 

Heavy rainfall in China caused the Yangtze River to overflow, leading to severe flooding which devastated nearby cities. Months later in September, a massive tropical cyclone called Typhoon Yagi ravaged Southeast Asia, wrecking the countries it impacted. 

Just prior to the fall storms, a global heat wave hit most of the world in the summer. The US felt the impacts on its coasts and the midwest, causing over $4 billion in weather related damage. The heat brought to Central America and the  southern US would prove deadly, with more than 100 people dying under the extreme temperatures faced in Mexico. 

Instead of the typical cold winter, South America was hit by 70-90 degree temperatures during their winter months. Already warm regions such as the Sahel and the western and eastern coasts of Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East were afflicted with an extremely hazardous summer, with some cities reaching astounding temperatures over 120 degrees. Parts of Asia reached an all time high, with areas such as Japan, India, and Southeast Asia reaching record heats of over 90 degrees. 

An increase in heat and rain aren’t the only ways climate change affects Earth. Since the late 19th century, the sea level has been rising exponentially, around 8 inches since 1880. The rise can both be attributed to climate change with the melting of glaciers and ice sheets, as well as the expansion of water as temperatures increase. Nearly 30-40 percent of America’s entire population lives on coastal areas and are at risk of erosion or flooding. Globally, seven of the 10 most populated cities live near a coast at high risk of flooding. 

Despite the undeniable impact climate change has caused, some in the US government have failed to recognize its significance.

Shortly after his second inauguration, President Trump took the United States out of the Paris Agreement, an international treaty signed by members of the UN advocating for climate change mitigation. This mirrors a similar action in 2016 where the first Trump administration reversed Obama’s signature to the initial accords. 

Among other changes to the executive department, Trump has begun the process of defunding and lowering several federal environmental organizations, one of which including the Environmental Protection Agency, the main executive agency advocating for environmental and health issues. Several pieces of legislation proposed by the EPA and other federal actions committed under the Biden administration are also being rolled back or regulated, such as the Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, and the Clean Air Act. 

Under Trump, the new EPA is more focused on industrial efforts and maximizing energy output in the forms of methods such as fossil fuels, which are known for releasing greenhouse gases, one of the main causes for climate change. EPA administrator Lee Zeldin even went as far to say, “Alongside President Trump, we are living up to our promises to release American energy, lower the cost for Americans, revitalize the American auto industry, and work hand-in-hand with our state partners to advance our shared mission.” 

It’s not difficult to assume that the new administration is more focused on accomplishing the new executive agenda rather than advocating for the environment.

Fortunately, the future of climate change isn’t as dubious as one may assume. Scientists around the world still heavily advocate and research the effects of climate change, even though some of the setbacks some may face against their governments. European and Asian countries are leading the way towards a cleaner environment using innovative technologies funded in part by international organizations like the United Nations and the G20. 

Particularly, countries in Scandinavia such as Norway, Sweden, and Denmark are often recognized as leaders against climate change. The European region is known for their heavy investments into research regarding more renewable energy and eco-friendly technology. In fact, most of the EU is working exceptionally hard to combat climate change. According to the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI), a majority of the top nations are members of the EU, which has held a relatively consistent high standard compared to the lower rankings.

Through it all, what is important to remember that climate change isn’t completely preventable. Though it may seem imposing, efforts can, and must, be made to subdue its effects. Some are moving towards more renewable and clean forms of energy such as solar and wind energy, while car manufacturers are transitioning from gasoline to electric vehicles that don’t rely on burning fossil fuels. Even small changes like conserving energy, recycling materials, and finding alternative transportation methods play a larger part in fighting the ever-growing threat of climate change.